Romualdez diagnosed with depressive disorder, anxiety; court orders public hospital exam

Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez has been diagnosed with depressive disorder with anxiety, his psychiatrist Dr. Lourdes Ignacio confirmed. Ignacio testified before the Sandiganbayan during the hearing on Romualdez's motion for hospital detention amid a P7.4-billion plunder case leveled against him and three others over their alleged links to the flood control mess. The psychiatrist confirmed that Romualdez has been prescribed oral medications and regular mindful sessions. When asked if regular mindful sessions could be conducted in other health facilities, Ignacio replied, "generally." Ignacio also stated that the depression is related to Romualdez's other existing heart and brain-related ailments. "When you prescribe anti-depressants, it does have an effect on the brain and blood vessels," she said. The Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to examine Romualdez and verify the findings of his doctors from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, where he is currently confined. This order came after two days of hearings where his physicians at Cardinal Santos testified. Dr. Rody Sy, the former lawmaker's cardiologist, had said Romualdez would need four to six weeks to recover from his ailments due to stress. However, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Ronald Moreno questioned the length of the recovery plan. Romualdez underwent angioplasty in October 2024. Ultimately, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the transfer of Romualdez from Cardinal Santos to the state-run Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for independent examination and confinement starting September 12, Saturday. Source: GMA News Philippines